Previews of Friday's high school football games

THE BUZZ: This game might not decide the district championship, but it'll go a long way. The Wolverines have a dual threat in QB Donnell Lewis (37-of-61, 540 yards, 457 rushing yards), whom few have been able to contain. The Phantoms' offense is much improved with the addition of RB Tony Pittman (444 yards, 6 TDs in four games). Both teams have clutch kickers: Eric Enderson for the Phantoms, Chris Moller for the Wolverines.

THE PICK: Phoebus 23-21.

HAMPTON (5-2, 4-2) vs. MENCHVILLE (2-5, 1-5)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Todd Stadium.

THE BUZZ: If last week's 49-0 waxing of Warwick is any indication, the Crabbers have been reborn. Sophomore Marshawn Williams (442 yards, 6 TDs) has emerged as a strong runner, and QB Jeremy Eubank has thrown for 684 yards with 7 TDs and no INTs. The Monarchs have been outscored 148-0 the last three weeks.

THE PICK: Hampton 52-6.

DENBIGH (0-7, 0-6) at GLOUCESTER (2-5, 1-5)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Gloucester High.

THE BUZZ: It's been a long year for the Patriots, who are giving up 45 points and 381 yards per game. They've allowed at least 50 points in each of their last three games (Hampton, Warwick, Phoebus). The Dukes have lost three in a row by a combined score of 118-34, but they're still the favorite tonight.

THE BUZZ: Tabb beat Poquoson and Poquoson beat Grafton, therefore … Naaah. Most top teams get upset once in the Bay Rivers District, but form usually holds. And Grafton has played good football for all but four quarters this season. Tabb will keep this rivalry game interesting for a while on spirit alone, but a run defense that has allowed 777 yards the past two games will have to be much better.

THE PICK: Grafton 35-14.

JAMESTOWN (3-4, 2-4) vs. LAFAYETTE (7-0, 6-0)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Wanner Stadium.

THE BUZZ: Lafayette needed overtime to win its previous games against Williamsburg-area rivals Bruton and Warhill. And Jamestown is capable of competing at this level, as it displayed in a close 36-29 loss to York. The Eagles controlled the ball nicely in pushing the Falcons to the brink, but only managed 14 rushing yards in last week in a loss to Bruton. Which Jamestown team will show?

THE PICK: Lafayette 27-7.

NEW KENT (1-6, 1-5) vs. POQUOSON (4-3, 3-3)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Poquoson Middle School.

THE BUZZ: A win enhances Poquoson's already bright chances of reaching the playoffs for a district-best sixth consecutive season. It doesn't hurt that the Islanders are at home, where they've won big against Grafton, Jamestown and Smithfield. The Poquoson run game, which cranked out 375 yards last week against Smithfield, should be too much for a struggling New Kent rushing defense.

THE PICK: Poquoson 38-21.

WARHILL (3-3, 3-3) at SMITHFIELD (1-6, 1-5)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Smithfield High.

THE BUZZ: A win here would come pretty close to sealing the first regional playoff berth for fifth-year program Warhill. The Lions' offense is no juggernaut, but Reggie Lipscomb and Devonte Dedmon should get plenty of yards against a Smithfield defense that has allowed more than 370 rushing yards in two games. Packers freshman QB Jermal Wells made a nice debut in throwing for 232 yards last week.